Lewis Shannon Holloway, Jr.

L. Shannon Holloway, Jr., M.D., Ph.D., age 66, was a kind and loving spouse, father, grandfather, and friend. His energy, optimism, and zeal for learning and doing new things were an inspiration to many. He greeted friends and strangers alike with a big smile, and strangers quickly converted to friends. He passed away peacefully at home on April 21, 2006, surrounded by family, after a courageous fight with cancer. Shannon's family and friends remember fondly an energetic man who accomplished a remarkable number of things in his too-short life. Born November 18, 1939, in Macon, Georgia, he was the first son of a Methodist minister. Although he began life as a Georgia boy, he acquired a deep love for all things Texan. His infectious energy allowed him to pursue a range of interests: he played college tennis, golfed, hunted and fished at locations around the world, and was an avid private pilot. He served on the Board of Directors of Abilene Aero for the past eighteen years. Shannon received his undergraduate degree from Huntington College in Montgomery, Alabama. After teaching high school for a year, he returned to Auburn University where he earned his master's degree in physiology and biochemistry. He then moved to Gainesville, Florida and entered graduate school at the University of Florida School of Medicine, where he earned his doctorate in medical physiology. His seminal work describing the production of cerebral spinal fluid in newborns paved the way for later studies investigating the role of the central nervous system in circulatory shock. Shannon's graduate research resulted in the publication of numerous articles and gained him recognition as an outstanding young investigator in the scientific community. After completing post-doctorate training at Michigan State University in 1972, Shannon joined the faculty of the newly formed Texas Tech University School of Medicine in Lubbock. There he served as an Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Instructor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, and Clinical Assistant Professor, Orthopaedic Surgery. Testament to his energy, Shannon simultaneously taught and attended medical school, completing his medical degree in 1976 and his residency in orthopaedic surgery in 1980 as Tech's first orthopaedic resident. While at TTUSM, he authored more than twenty-five scientific publications and taught many of his future Abilene physician colleagues. Shannon joined Abilene Bone & Joint Clinic in 1980, practicing as an orthopaedic surgeon for twenty-five years. He never grew weary of his calling to medicine, tirelessly giving of himself to those who needed him. For the past three years, Shannon served as Chief of Staff of Hendrick Medical Center, while continuing to serve on the Credentials Committee and Physician Review Board. He formerly served as Chairman of the Hendrick Regional Relations Committee, of Hendrick's Orthopaedic Section, of Hendrick Medical Center Foundation, of St. Paul United Methodist Church's Administrative Board, and of the United Way Campaign for Physicians. Shannon was also a former Trustee for Hendrick Health Systems and McMurry University, and he served for many years on the Boards of the Hendrick Development Foundation and Taylor County American Heart Association. His concern with and knowledge of health care policy and issues stayed at the forefront of his medical career. In February 2006, Texas Tech's Department of Orthopaedic Surgery established the Dr. Shannon Holloway Resident Research Award in Orthopaedic Surgery, to be awarded annually for research excellence by a TTUSM orthopaedic resident. Shannon was honored to serve for many years as an oral Board Examiner for the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons, one of the few physicians in private, non-academic practice to do so. Hendrick's Rehabilitation Hospital, Health Club, Trauma Center, First Care HMO, First Flight (Hendrick's medical transport helicopter), Texas Midwest Surgery Center, physician recruitment programs, open-heart surgery program, and filmless radiology system all benefited from his vision and hand in implementing such initiatives. He was an active supporter of Hendrick's Family Practice Residency Program for Texas Tech medical students. His professional memberships included: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; Fellowship, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons; American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine; Texas Orthopaedic Society; Taylor-Jones-Haskell County Medical Society; Texas Medical Society; American Physiological Society; and American Society of Nephrology. Through his service as team doctor for Abilene Christian, McMurry, and Hardin Simmons football teams, as well as numerous high school football teams, he had a positive influence on innumerable student athletes. Many athletes and non-athletes listed Shannon as a strong positive influence in their decision to pursue medical careers. In 2005 Abilene Christian University honored Shannon for his service to the school with the Change the World Award. Other awards earned included Distinguished Associate-Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Golden Apple Award (Hendrick Family Practice Residency Program), West Texas Rehab Center Staff Award, and, in appreciation for his service to athletes, Honorary Membership in the Southwest Athletic Trainer Association. Shannon is survived by his beloved spouse, Janie Holloway; five children and their spouses, Bill and Suzanne Holloway of Ft. Worth; Laura and Mike Walsh of Dallas; Julie and Ben Davis of Austin; Lisa and Mike Monschke of Justin; and Susan and Kurt Daum of Ft. Worth. Missing their Granddaddy dearly will be his ten grandchildren: Duncan and Jane Claire Holloway; Pete, Tom, and Michael Walsh; Parker, Alex, and Cate Davis; and Morgan and Molly Monschke. Also surviving him are two brothers and their families, Ken and Alana Holloway of Tampa, Florida, and Troy and Mary Jane Holloway of Gainesville, Florida. He was preceded in death by his father, the Rev. L. Shannon Holloway, Sr., and mother, Edith Slade Holloway. Despite myriad interests, Shannon was never too busy for time with his family and many friends. His children and grandchildren alike will savor many quality moments spent one-on-one with him. Shannon made it a point to stay connected with many of the friends and colleagues he met along the journey of his full and joyous life. Family, friends, and colleagues will cherish the memory of his devotion to others, his insatiable mind, and his courage, optimism, and productivity during his battle with cancer, which he refused to let rule his life. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday at the Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church, with burial to follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. The family would like to thank the devoted orthopaedic staff on Hendrick's Parker 6 for their loving, patient care over his last months, and the dedicated caregivers of Hendrick Hospice Care for their loving service in Shannon's last days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the "Dr. Shannon Holloway Resident Research Award in Orthopaedic Surgery" at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, care of Director of Development and Alumni Relations, 3601 4th St., MS6238, Lubbock, Texas, 79430, or to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory St., Abilene, Texas, 79601, or to the charity of your choice.